[ACCESS Linux Platform to be studied by NTT DoCoMo, NEC, Panasonic and ESTEEMO as the basis for developing a shared Linux platform for mobile phones.]

Tokyo -- ACCESS CO., LTD., a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile and beyond-PC markets, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with NTT DoCoMo, Inc., NEC Corp., Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd., and ESTEEMO Co., Ltd. under which the companies will study the use of ACCESS Linux Platform(TM) as the basis for developing a shared Linux platform for mobile phones and an operator pack for NTT DoCoMo.

In a market characterized by frequent model changes and fast time-to-market requirements, high-performance handsets demand increasingly complex software. ACCESS intends to help handset makers meet these requirements by developing a shared platform for the global market based on ACCESS Linux Platform, a next-generation open operating system platform, in combination with custom-tailored operator packs embedded with a full slate of carrier-specific applications. ACCESS Linux Platform enables the creation of world-class mobile phones and wireless devices by providing an integrated, flexible and complete, commercial-grade Linux platform designed for the worldwide mobile phone and converged device markets.

Under the MOU, ACCESS will make use of MOAP(L) (Mobile Oriented Application Platform based on Linux) which is the FOMA(TM) mobile platform used by NTT DoCoMo, and will lead the development of a shared software platform that also conforms to specifications of the LiMo Foundation, an independent, non-profit foundation established with the aim of promoting the use of Linux by the mobile industry. The five companies have also agreed to consider development of an operator pack for NTT DoCoMo based on the shared platform. ACCESS intends to begin marketing the commercial products resulting from these efforts during fiscal 2009.

"Linux-based mobile phones are attracting attention at home and abroad," said Toru Arakawa, president and CEO, ACCESS. "The agreement by NTT DoCoMo, NEC, Panasonic Mobile and ESTEEMO to join us in discussing the development of a shared Linux-based platform and operator pack will contribute to the efficient development and prompt release of next-generation handsets by providing the type of user-friendly interface that is only possible with Linux."

"In January this year, NTT DoCoMo established the LiMo Foundation, together with key companies worldwide," said Kiyohito Nagata, senior vice president, managing director of Product Department, Products & Services, NTT DoCoMo. "The conclusion of this memorandum will substantially expedite the development of a shared platform based on LiMo Foundation specifications, as well as promote consideration of an operator pack by the five participating companies. In this way, the memorandum will contribute to the dissemination and growth of the Linux platform and the creation of an associated ecosystem. We expect it to enable the development of products that are even more attractive to NTT DoCoMo."

"As a firm believer in the Linux-based platform for mobile terminals, NEC has long been involved in development of MOAP(L) and has been a founding member in the LiMo Foundation," said Susumu Otani, senior vice president of NEC. "We hope entering into today's MOU will enable us to accelerate the further expansion of a LiMo Foundation-compliant Linux platform and its ecosystem."

"As a founding member of the LiMo Foundation, Panasonic Mobile Communications has been contributing to the realization of a Linux-based mobile platform using software technologies cultivated during the development of NTT DoCoMo's FOMA 3G mobile service," said Osamu Waki, president of Panasonic Mobile Communications. "We anticipate that the conclusion of this MOU will hasten the creation and further evolution of a Linux platform based on LiMo and its ecosystem."

"With the combined strengths of both Panasonic Mobile Communications and NEC, we believe we can truly contribute to developing and promoting a globally competitive common platform and software for Linux-based mobile terminals," said Yoshiharu Tamura, president of ESTEEMO.